140 THE TURF 



course is the largest in Europe ; and to give 

 some idea of its magnificence, it has been 

 assessed to the poor-rate at five hundred 

 pounds per annum. The exact expense of 

 its erection is not known to us, but the 

 lawyer's bill alone was five hundred and 

 fifty-seven pounds. Poor distressed Eng- 

 land ! 



Ascot also stands in the foremost rank 

 of country races. It is of a different com- 

 plexion from Epsom, not only by reason of 

 its being graced with royalty, and aristocracy 

 in abundance, but as wanting that crowd 

 of * nobody knows who,' which must be 

 encountered on a Derby day the cockney's 

 holiday. It is likewise out of reach of 

 London ruffians a great recommendation ; 

 and the strictness of the police makes even 

 thieves scarce. But the charms of Ascot, 

 to those not interested in the horses, consist 

 in the promenade on the course between 

 the various races, where the highest fashion, 

 in its best garb, mingles with the crowd, 

 and gives a brilliant effect to the passing 

 scene. In fact, it comes nearest to Elysium 

 of anything here, after Kensington Gardens, 

 in 'the leafy month of June.' Then the 



